The Cajun Cornbread Boy by Dianne de Las Casas, illustrated by Marita Gentry.

This spicy twist on the Gingerbread Boy is a lot of fun.  Down on the Bayou, a little old woman makes a cornbread boy but when she opens the oven he runs away calling "Run, chere, run, as fast as you can! You can’t catch me – I’m full of cayenne."  The Cornbread Boy runs past a raccoon.  Then past a fox who surprisingly does not catch him, until he comes to the water of the bayou.  An alligator offers to carry the boy across.  Can you guess what happens next?  You may be surprised!

The writing here is filled with nice Louisiana touches that will have you doing your best Cajun accent.  If you manage an accent, the book rollicks along with phrases dancing with the rhythm and beat.  The illustrations are done with watercolor and ink.  This lends them a more rustic and handmade feel that is right at home here. 

Recommended as an alternative Gingerbread Boy that is perfect for hot summer days.  This could be nicely paired with one of my other favorite Cajun read-alouds Petite Rouge: a Cajun Red Riding Hood by Mike Artell.